Each features a bathroom with a shower (suites also include bathtubs), desk, two chairs, a minibar, two twin beds that can be converted into a queen-size bed with Egyptian cotton linens, two nightstands with lamps, a safe, phone, adequate shelving and closet space, and a satellite TV (two in suites) showing movies and episodes of "The Love Boat." Passengers in balcony cabins, minisuites and suites should keep an eye open for pillow chocolates left by the room steward at night.

One new addition to cabins – Princess Luxury Beds -- is particularly welcome. A product of a collaborative effort between Dr. Michael Breus (also known as "The Sleep Doctor") and HGTV designer Candice Olson, the beds include a plush, two-inch-thick pillow top; a medium-firm mattress for enhanced support; and individually wrapped coils for less partner disturbance.

Our only cabin gripe was the lack of adequate outlets; most cabins only have one 110-volt outlet with North American plug fittings by the desk, so tech-savvy cruisers should pack power strips.

Here's a breakdown of all the cabin categories.

Interior: Windowless interior cabins range from 162 to 182 square feet. Most sleep two people, though the layout is a bit tight, with almost no space between the bed and the sides of the cabin and not a lot of space between the edge of the bed and the desk. In some interior cabins, Pullman beds can be used to accommodate a third or fourth passenger. There is one narrow closet with shelves, space to hang items and a longer shelf above the hanger rod. Located on Decks 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15.

Ocean view: Oceanview cabins, which can be found on Decks 5 and 8, offer unobstructed views and roughly 179 square feet of space. Like interior cabins, they can feel a bit small unless you opt for the two twin bed layout, which leaves more room to get in and out of bed. There are also a number of obstructed view oceanview cabins, measuring 158 to 179 square feet; these cabins are located on Decks 8 and 15.

Balcony: Eighty percent of Ruby Princess' outside cabins have balconies. Rooms are 231 square feet, with 45-square-foot balconies (bigger than what you'll find on Princess' newest ships). Balcony cabins are equipped with the same closet setup as interior and oceanview cabins, but you'll find additional storage nooks in the seating area, which features a desk, corner table and two chairs. Balcony furniture includes two plastic chairs and a small cocktail table. Note that some decks have staggered balconies. Anyone staying on a higher-level deck has a full view of those below. (You're in the clear if you're on Deck 11 or above.) On our sailing, we saw many passengers embrace the lack of privacy, by engaging in conversations with their neighbors above and below.

Minisuite: Minisuites span 323 square feet, with balconies -- each of which comes with two plastic chairs and a small cocktail table -- around 57 square feet. Each minisuite has two flat-screen TVs and a separate seating area with a sofa bed that can accommodate a third passenger. Bathrooms feature a shower/bathtub combo. Passengers staying in these cabins are welcomed with a glass of Champagne and enjoy nightly chocolates on their pillows. Minisuites are located on Decks 8 and 9.

Suite: Both suites and family suites range in size from 460- to 777-square-feet with 95- to 241-square-foot balconies. Like minisuites, suites also feature two TVs and a separate seating area with a sofa bed. Suite-only amenities include upgraded balcony furniture (two padded loungers, two padded chairs and a larger table -- all wooden), a walk-in closet, CD/DVD player with complimentary media library, whirlpool tubs in addition to showers, upgraded bathroom amenities from the Lotus Spa, a minifridge and minibar with complimentary setup.

Suites are broken up into five subcategories, which differ primarily by size.

Vista suites range from 460 to 495 square feet, including the balcony, which is slightly larger than that of a minisuite. They are located on Decks 8, 9 and 10.

Premium suites, only available on Deck 15, offer between 531 and 568 square feet, including the balcony, and space for either three or four people.

Penthouse suites span 524 to 534 square feet, including the balcony, and can be found on Decks 10, 12 and 14. Most accommodate three passengers, though some can fit up to four.

Owner's suites, which range from 687 to 777 square feet (balcony included), are the largest accommodations onboard. They only can be found on Deck 12.

Two-bedroom Family Suites, which are at least 606 square feet with the balcony, are available only on Deck 9. Both bedrooms have two twin beds that can convert to a queen and a bathroom with a shower (one also has a tub); both open onto a shared living area. Family suites can sleep up to eight people.

Suite passengers (not including minisuites) get complimentary use of the Lotus Spa thermal suite, and laundry and dry-cleaning services handled by the staff (versus self-service). They also enjoy priority boarding, disembarkation and tendering, as well as a dedicated guest services desk and private disembarkation lounge.

Another perk is the complimentary, suite-only breakfast at Crown Grill (open from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on sea days and 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on port days). We found it to be a popular breakfast option for suite passengers on our cruise. Menu items include basic items like pastries (including a Norman Love chocolate assortment), eggs any style with your choice of a side such as sausage links or bacon, as well as French toast and eggs Benedict -- our personal favorite.

Later in the day, suite cruisers can enjoy free hors d'oeuvres in one of the bars (reserved just for their use) and request in-room afternoon tea or evening canapes. On cruises of six nights or longer, suite passengers can dine free at the specialty restaurants on the first evening of the cruise.

There are 31 wheelchair-accessible cabins: six interior, four ocean view, 16 balcony and one minisuite.

We had an AFT cabin on Baja deck. This was an upgrade from low-end balcony stateroom several weeks before sailing. Lost 2 square feet due to beam, but it was by no means a "deal killer". View was fine. Would take it again....
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